TOKYO, July 17 (Reuters) - The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is closely monitoring the Middle East conflict and hoping next month's Asian Cup qualifiers involving Lebanon and Palestine can go ahead as planned.
'The AFC is shocked and concerned by the current situation
in the Middle East region, particularly Lebanon,' the AFC told
Reuters on Monday.
'We are also shocked at the damage inflicted on the
infrastructure of the country. We can only hope that the
circumstances settle down soon.'
According to Lebanon's health ministry, more than 160
people have been killed in the country since Israel launched a
series of bombardments following the abduction of two Israeli
soldiers by Hizbollah in a cross-border raid last Wednesday.
The next round of qualifiers for the 2007 Asian Cup are
scheduled for August 16 with Lebanon and Palestine among the
teams involved.
'In the context of football activities in Lebanon... we
shall keep in close contact with the Lebanese football
association. We hope that the Asian Cup matches can be held as
scheduled,' the AFC added.
'We will do all we can to make sure the matches can take
place in a safe and sporting environment.'
Lebanon are set to travel to Bahrain with Palestine facing
Iraq in a match already scheduled to be played in neutral
Jordan because of security fears.
